RISA Technologies’ RISA-3D

Words: Dan Kamys

Summer 2014

New Products

RISA Technologies’ RISA-3D

www.risatech.com

RISA-3D is billed as the most popular structural engineering software in the United States. So, chances are you’ve at least heard of it. If you’re not familiar with the program, the 3D analysis/design software is packed with the most current steel, concrete, cold-formed steel, masonry, aluminum and timber design codes. It gives users the tools to tackle multi-material projects with confidence. RISA-3D also integrates seamlessly with RISAFloor and RISAFoundation, including links to top detailing, drafting, and BIM packages for a complete building design solution.

Among the latest updates to RISA-3D relating to masonry design are the following:

ACI 530-11 code, both ASD and Strength

Cracked moment of inertia for stiffness and deflections

Effective height factor (K) for compression capacity calcs

More detailed reporting than previous versions

NCMA tables for net area, as an alternative to equivalent solid thickness 

Additionally, the developer already is working on implementing the ACI 530-13 code (both ASD and Strength), which will be included in v13 to be released later this year.

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